Trekking for kids

Please note: This is a combined expedition with our Aconcagua Base Camp Trek. This trip is two weeks longer than the Aconcagua Base Camp Trek.

Trek

Join Trekking for Kids in a unique opportunity to experience Argentina at its most beautiful! Come climb one of the 7 summits - Aconcagua! At 22,837 Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the world outside the Himalayas and it is the highest peak in South America. Our starting point will be in the beautiful city of Mendoza where we will support a project to benefit at-risk and disadvantaged children.

TFK will partner with famed mountaineer Ryan Waters and his team at Mountain Professionals to guide our group. Aconcagua offers mountaineers and fit adventurers the chance to climb on a big mountain expedition in a relatively short period of time. We will climb a (non technical) route allowing climbers to gain high altitude experience on a route which can be relatively safe from objective dangers. Climbers can concentrate on testing their own high altitude ability and many will use this climb as a stepping stone to additional mountain objectives. Technical skills are not required; however, climbers must have some experience at high altitude as well as expedition-style climbing. If you have questions about your ability to climb Aconcagua, please let us know and we will connect you with Mountain Professionals to talk about your skills.

The most important physical and mental aspects when joining the trip are to arrive in good physical and cardio shape and to be mentally ready for a challenge. If you have trained with backpacking and have the right attitude, the rewards are quite phenomenal for the aspirant mountain climber and very accessible to someone who enjoys long backpacking/trekking trips, or has previously done a trip to Kilimanjaro or Everest Base Camp for examples. We can discuss more on training with each participant.

Our Work

Trekkers will spend two days in Mendoza working with at-risk and disadvantaged youth, helping improve their facilities and getting to know them through games and activities.

Please contact Cindy Steuart for more information about the expedition.

Expedition Costs

Price for Expedition: $5900

Group Size: 6-14 Trekkers

Expedition Dates: Jan 30-Feb 18, 2019
(Please note: dates listed are the arrival and departure dates to/from Mendoza)

Fundraising Commitment: $1000
tax-deductible donations for projects

Included

• TFK trip leader
• 16 days guided climb by Mountain Professionals guide, Ryan Waters and team
• 15 nights in a tent while on the climb
• 3 nights hotel in Mendoza
• 1 night hotel in Penitents
• Transportation to and from airport in Mendoza on arrival and departure days
• Transportation to and from Penitents
• Full mountain services, equipment, meals on climb, group climbing gear
• Team equipment Mules transfer to Base Camp and back
• Mules for personal baggage to base camp (20kg. / 45lbs.)
• Shared Porter service for group gear at each climbing day and from Camp 3 down after summit.
• Assistance with climbing permit purchase procedure
• First Aid Kits, Radios, and safety equipment
• Full basecamp services including heated and carpeted dining tent, table, chairs, and cook staff!
• Access to solar panels, charging and satellite phone, wifi at base camp
• Work project and activities at our project site with the children
• TFK shirt, buff, and luggage tags
• Tips for local guides and climbing team

Not Included

• RT Airfare to Mendoza, Argentina
• Personal Climbing Permit fee: You will pay for your climbing permit, in Mendoza, accompanied by your guide. The prices reflect 2017/18 permit fees and are subject to change. Medium Season: February 1st purchase date Approximate: $650 USD
• Personal clothing and climbing specific personal gear available for rent in Mendoza
• Recommended Travel/Trip Cancellation Insurance which covers high altitude climbing
• A few meals
• Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, or bottled water and other personal expenses

Expedition Requirements

• 18 years or older
• Good health
• Physically fit
• Willing to raise minimum $1000 of tax-deductible donations for orphanage projects

3 Step Process

1. Apply • Fill out the online application (link will be provided with invitation)
• Pay $500 deposit ($50 non-refundable)

2. Prepare • Read Information and Fundraising Packet from TFK
• Start a training regimen if not already exercising regularly
• Fundraise for orphanage projects
• Gather all necessary gear for the Trek
• Pay remaining Expedition fees
• Arrange flights

3. Experience • Arrive in-country.
• Enjoy a trip of a lifetime!

We are committed to supporting you every step of the way, both before and during your Expedition.

Click here to read about TFK’s Registration and Cancellation Policies.

Download Schedule here.

Coming soon.

Fundraising Resources

After signing up for an Expedition, Trekkers receive a Fundraising Kit, and access to the Trekker Resource Center, with online tips and tools to help you succeed.

TFK Brochures • brief version of the website in printed form
• great introduction to TFK for your donors

Personal Fundraising Page (coming soon)
• solicit donations on your page
• set fundraising goals
• track progress in real time
• upload photos
• post messages to donors

Other Resources • Ideas for raising your $1000 minimum
• form letters to help you get started
• fundraising logs
• receipts and forms
• project flyer

Contact our Director of Operations, Tricia Donaldson, for more information.